Gabbi Zurlo has what grass roots organizers call “fire in the belly.” It can’t be taught, bought, or manufactured. And one person with enough of it can change the world — or at least the world around them.
It is that rare quality that moved the SC Progressive Network to welcome Zurlo to our staff not long after she graduated from the latest session of the Modjeska Simkins School in June. She stood out in a class of exceptional students.
Network Executive Director Brett Bursey said, “Gabbi’s serious commitment to social justice was evident throughout the semester. She brings a lot to the table, and we are glad to have her join our staff.”
Zurlo is a South Carolina native, which is important because of our organization’s state-based analysis and focus. She hails from North, the Orangeburg County town whose claim to fame is being the birthplace of Eartha Kitt. North’s population of 671 will lose a digit when Zurlo relocates to Columbia in September with her dog, Dolly.
Zurlo has office and personnel management skills honed in her years working in healthcare at Bon Secours Medical Group and Lexington Medical Center, where she dealt with complex databases and detailed reporting systems. She successfully led a team of 12 at the height of the Covid crisis, demonstrating her ability to adapt and to work under pressure, abilities that will serve our organization well.
Zurlo, 33, brings fresh energy and perspective to the organization. Her enthusiasm already is attracting younger volunteers to our work and to the emerging cultural scene at GROW, the Network’s community space in downtown Columbia. She and classmate Josh Dunn have created a group of the school’s graduates that is meeting every other week to network and share information about the work they are doing. They are manifesting movement building at its best.
Modjeska School Lead Instructor Dr. Robert Greene II said, “Gabbi is one of the most hard-working and compassionate people I have ever met. Having the pleasure of teaching her, I came to see Gabbi as both a committed organizer and a lifelong student — always curious, engaged, and passionate about the work to make the world a better place.”
Network Treasurer Shannon Sylvester said Gabbi radiates joy and an eagerness to work for our mission. “I’ve appreciated the business skills she’s brought to tasks and her willingness to collaborate to solve problems. I’m looking forward to joining forces with her as we move our beloved Progressive Network to the next level.”
For all of Zurlo’s qualities, perhaps the one we admire most is her self-described “inability to tolerate injustice.” We hope her spirit is contagious.
To help welcome her aboard, we are throwing a party at GROW on Aug. 10, 7–9pm. Join us!
Meanwhile, you can watch Zurlo’s comments at the Modjeska Simkins School graduation ceremony in June. It will help you understand the Ben Tillman reference.